TEHRAN, Jan. 26– Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday Iran will give a “comprehensive and regret-inducing” response to any aggression.
He made the remarks at a weekly press conference in Tehran, responding to U.S. military movements in West Asia and its ongoing joint drills with Gulf states.
“We have been and still are faced with hybrid warfare. In the aftermath of Israel’s military aggression against Iran in June, we have been faced with new claims and threats from the United States and Israel every day over the past,” Baghaei said.
He said that countries in West Asia know that Iran would not be the sole target of regional insecurity. “Insecurity is contagious,” he said, adding that “any country that respects peace and international law should adopt a clear stance towards U.S. threats against other states.”
Drawing on its previous experiences during the 12-day war with Israel and the United States, Iran would “definitely give a comprehensive and regret-inducing response to any aggression,” Baghaei added.
Commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Thursday that a U.S. “armada” is heading towards the West Asia with a focus on Iran, Baghaei said the entry of an aircraft carrier to the region “is not supposed to affect Iran’s determination and seriousness to defend the country.”
He added the Iranian armed forces were closely monitoring any developments and constantly improving their capabilities to protect the country’s national sovereignty, dignity and security.
Asked about potential Iran-U.S. talks to prevent conflict, Baghaei said negotiations are only possible with a side that does not seek war or confrontation.
“We have never welcomed war and never shied away from diplomacy and negotiation. We have shown it in practice,” he said.
The U.S. military buildup follows Trump’s recent endorsement of anti-government protests in Iran, where he said, “Help is on its way.” On Thursday, Trump declared that a “massive” U.S. naval force is heading toward Iran, while suggesting that it may not be used. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
